serpent

noun

ˈsər-pənt How to pronounce serpent (audio)
Definition of serpentnext
1
as in snake
a limbless reptile with a long body an Aztec carving of a feathered serpent representing the god Quetzalcoatl

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in Satan
the supreme personification of evil often represented as the ruler of hell beware the temptations of the serpent

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in traitor
one who betrays a trust or an allegiance a serpent in their midst had betrayed the revolutionaries to the authorities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of serpent The collection reinterprets the serpent’s scales through flexible articulated gold links that wrap around diamonds, rubellites, tourmalines, emeralds and sapphires. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The site covers around six square miles and is centered on the Castillo, or Kukulcán pyramid, where each equinox the shadow of a serpent appears to slither down the steps. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026 At the spring and autumn equinoxes, the shadow of a serpent appears to slither down the steps of the main Kukulcán pyramid. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 The Resa swimwear was the Millie bikini top in serpent, which retails for $68, and Ernie-style bottoms in the same print, which retail for $55. — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for serpent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for serpent
  1. snake
  2. Satan
  3. traitor
  4. viper
  5. devil
  6. Lucifer
Noun
  • Rob Rausch, a handsome snake-wrangler from Alabama, was standing a few feet away from Maura Higgins, the former Love Islander, next to the Traitors’ roundtable.
    — The Deadline Team, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Stadium has four main entry gates, where the lines can overlap and even snake back toward the subway exits.
    — Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of snake
Noun
  • Gibson also confirmed that Resurrection will include a depiction of Satan, portrayed in The Passion of the Christ by Rosalinda Celentano.
    — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 26 May 2026
  • Dante and Virgil escape Hell by clambering down Satan's monstrous hide and through Earth's center of gravity.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 May 2026
Definition of Satan
Noun
  • Rinna, a fellow traitor and the person who helped Rausch secure the bag, had similarly been crossed by him, twice.
    — The Deadline Team, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
  • His tenure was upended by the arrest of Aldrich Ames, a CIA traitor.
    — Bob Drogin, Washington Post, 22 July 2026
Definition of traitor
Noun
  • Maumelle Animal Shelter The pit viper was so reluctant to exit the helmet that police officers had to pour water into it to force the snake out and into a bag.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Goode needed no persuading about the beauty of animals like New Caledonian geckos, African bush vipers, Caribbean rock iguanas, and similar Cyclura.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of viper
Noun
  • Throughout the movie, two mentors stand over each of his shoulders like an aproned angel and devil.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also a devil, all too ready to perch on his other shoulder, too.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of devil
Noun
  • O'Keefe said Lucifer would have likely been played by Freeman or Carrey.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
  • Her other credits include arcs on Burn Notice, Two and a Half Men, Suits, and Lucifer.
    — Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
Definition of Lucifer

Browse Nearby Words

sermons
serpent
serpentine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Serpent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/serpent. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on serpent

Nglish: Translation of serpent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about serpent

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